ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural environment and, where possible, to repair damage and reverse trends.
How Humans have impacted the Environment:
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Overpopulation.
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Pollution.
·
Global Warming.
·
Climate Change.
·
Genetic Modification.
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Ocean Acidification.
·
Water Pollution.
·
Overfishing.
DO YOU AGREE THAT HUMANS HAVE AFFECTED THE
ENVIRONMENT ADVERSELY?
CAUSES OF OVERPOPULATION-
Today the Earth is home to more than 7.8 billion people. By 2100 the population is on track to hit 10.8 billion, according to the United Nations — and that’s assuming steady fertility declines in many countries. Interestingly, if extra progress is made in women’s reproductive self-determination, and fertility falls more than the United Nations assumes is likely, the population in 2100 might be a relatively smaller 7.3 billion.
For now, the world’s population is still increasing in huge annual increments (about 80 million per year), and our supply of vital non-renewable resources are being exhausted. Many factors contribute to these unsustainable trends, including falling mortality rates, underutilized contraception, and a lack of education for girls.
EFFECTS OF OVERPOPULATION
It is only logical that an increase in the world’s population will cause additional strains on resources. More people means an increased demand for food, water, housing, energy, healthcare, transportation, and more. And all that consumption contributes to ecological degradation, increased conflicts, and a higher risk of large-scale disasters like pandemics.
CAUSES OF POLLUTION-
Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land.
CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION
1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels
Most of the air pollution takes place due to the incomplete burning of fossil fuels. These include coal, oil, and gasoline to produce energy for electricity or transportation. The release of CO at a high level indicates how much fossil fuel is burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides into the air. Inhaling air induced with pollutants due to the burning of natural gas and fossil fuel reduces the heart’s ability to pump enough oxygen. Hence causing one to suffer from various respiratory and heart illnesses. Furthermore, the nitrogen oxides are responsible for acid rain and the formation of smog.
When fossil fuels are burned, they emit more than just CO2.
- Coal-fired power stations alone account for 35% of harmful mercury emissions in the US.
- Two-thirds of SO2 emissions cause acid rain
- The great majority of dust (particle pollution) is released in our air due to fossil fuel burning.
2. Industrial Emission
Industrial activities emit several pollutants in the air that affect the air quality more than we can even imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, NO2, SO2, and CO are key pollutants that are emitted from industries that use coal and wood as their primary energy source for the production of their goods. Industrial pollution effects associated with your health can range from
- Irritation in your eyes and throat
- Breathing issues
- At times can even lead to chronic illness
- VOCs and other emissions from industries can aggregate respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis.
- O3 is also released from industries that can increase in asthma attacks.
Huge amounts of organic chemicals like CO2, hydrocarbons, etc. are released by the industries including other toxicants. They furthermore affect the climate as CO2 causes a greenhouse effect. Hence, causing the heat to be trapped within the earth’s atmosphere. Therefore, the temperature and humidity increase. More and more industries are being built as the demand grows. And as a result the emissions also increase day by day. We are already observing the after-effects of this, as the earth’s temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius per decade.
3. Indoor Air Pollution
Use of toxic products also called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), inadequate ventilation, uneven temperature, and humidity level can cause indoor air pollution, whether you are in an office, school, or at your comfortable home. House air pollution can take place due to ignorant factors, for instance, smoking tobacco inside a room or leaving mold-infected walls untreated. The use of wood stoves or space heaters is capable of increasing the humidity level which can directly affect the health of a person in no time. Carcinogens and toxins from indoor air pollution cause 17% of deaths from lung cancer.
According to the ‘Household air pollution and Health’ report published by the WHO in 2018, “Pneumonia is the cause of 27% of yearly deaths attributed to indoor air pollution and 45% of all pneumonia deaths in children under five years old.” The report further added that, “In 2020, household air pollution was predicted to be responsible for 3.2 million deaths per year, including approximately 2,37,000 deaths of children under the age of five.”
4. Wildfires
Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but also spiking air pollution. Burning stubble and farm residue is also a major contribution to wildfire. It causes increased PM2.5 in the air which collides with other harmful substances like chemical gas and pollen creating smog. Smog makes the air hazy and people find it difficult to breathe. Visibility also decreases as a result of this smog. Difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, itchiness in the respiratory tract, etc. are all symptoms of inhaling smog.
- As many as 90% of the wildfires are caused by anthropogenic reasons, a small spark can turn acres of forest area into ashes.
- The soot and dust particles, smoke (that contains several toxic chemicals) can stay suspended in the air for days.
- The average temperature is increasing day by day due to the greenhouse effect. As a result, the rise in temperature affects the rate of wildfires.
- More the temperature, more the cases of wildfires and forest fires. Wildlife, plants, and animals are all impacted by wildfires.
5. Microbial Decaying Process
Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of CO, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and organic compounds which contaminate our environment. Bacteria and fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying of these microorganisms present in the surroundings releases methane gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may lead to death.
Decaying process releases carbon, methane, and nitrogen that can affect the quality of air to some extent. As these microbes stay suspended in the air, they can cause
- Asthma aggregation
- Many other discomforts
- Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Chances of having skin allergies also increases.
Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of CO, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and organic compounds which contaminate our environment. Bacteria and fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying of these microorganisms present in the surroundings releases methane gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may lead to death.
Decaying process releases carbon, methane, and nitrogen that can affect the quality of air to some extent. As these microbes stay suspended in the air, they can cause
- Asthma aggregation
- Many other discomforts
- Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Chances of having skin allergies also increases.
6. Transportation
Cars on the roads are increasing day by day. There is no denying that vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban cities, where car ownership rates are more as compared to rural areas. When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits:
- Carbon monoxide,
- Hydrocarbons,
- Nitrogen oxide, and
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
When vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone layer contributing to smog and causing various health issues.
Large numbers of cars and other vehicles on the roads contribute to traffic congestion on the roads, affecting the air quality of that particular area to a great extent. This necessitates the need to monitor the air quality at local level, for each area, so that identifying the sources and taking the proper measures can be done.
Taking proper and effective measures as individuals to control vehicular emissions such as carpooling, using public transportation (metros, buses, rails) will help in reducing the vehicular emissions.
Cars on the roads are increasing day by day. There is no denying that vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban cities, where car ownership rates are more as compared to rural areas. When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits:
- Carbon monoxide,
- Hydrocarbons,
- Nitrogen oxide, and
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
When vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone layer contributing to smog and causing various health issues.
Large numbers of cars and other vehicles on the roads contribute to traffic congestion on the roads, affecting the air quality of that particular area to a great extent. This necessitates the need to monitor the air quality at local level, for each area, so that identifying the sources and taking the proper measures can be done.
Taking proper and effective measures as individuals to control vehicular emissions such as carpooling, using public transportation (metros, buses, rails) will help in reducing the vehicular emissions.
7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste
Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the environment than one may think. As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health. Delhi generates a whopping 9500 tons of waste every day, which makes it India’s second waste dumping city. Exposure to open burning of garbage waste can pose serious health risks including:
- Cancer
- Liver issues
- Impairment of the immune system
- Reduced reproductive functions
- Can also affect the developing nervous system.
Open air garbage burning releases toxins such as black carbon, soot, and carcinogens. It actively contributes to the greenhouse effect, and in turn to climate change. Black carbon and soot gets deposited on the ice peaks, which results in their meltdown.
Open garbage burning causes skin irritation, aggravates asthma and other respiratory diseases and illnesses, increases the risk of heart diseases, and difficulties in breathing, nausea and headaches.
Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the environment than one may think. As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health. Delhi generates a whopping 9500 tons of waste every day, which makes it India’s second waste dumping city. Exposure to open burning of garbage waste can pose serious health risks including:
- Cancer
- Liver issues
- Impairment of the immune system
- Reduced reproductive functions
- Can also affect the developing nervous system.
Open air garbage burning releases toxins such as black carbon, soot, and carcinogens. It actively contributes to the greenhouse effect, and in turn to climate change. Black carbon and soot gets deposited on the ice peaks, which results in their meltdown.
Open garbage burning causes skin irritation, aggravates asthma and other respiratory diseases and illnesses, increases the risk of heart diseases, and difficulties in breathing, nausea and headaches.
8. Construction and Demolition
During the clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered the highest number of air pollution complaints in the Delhi NCR due to construction pollution and demolition activities. With the rise of population in the city, construction and demolition is a part of the ever-going development phase of the national capital. Several construction sites and raw materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze and foul air which is hazardous for people especially, children and elderly citizens.
Why is air quality a concern at construction and demolition sites? This is due to the following reasons:
- Construction and demolition sites are a rich source of PM and other air pollutants including VOCs, etc.
- People living near these sites experience various health concerns like difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, etc.
- The workers and personnel working on-site are exposed to these air pollutants everyday. These pollutants affect their health to a great extent as well.
- Therefore, it becomes important to monitor the air quality at construction and demolition sites to comply with the standards.
- It is important to maintain the air quality at these sites, so as to maintain the air quality standards and limit the excessive usage of toxin and PM generating activities.
During the clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered the highest number of air pollution complaints in the Delhi NCR due to construction pollution and demolition activities. With the rise of population in the city, construction and demolition is a part of the ever-going development phase of the national capital. Several construction sites and raw materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze and foul air which is hazardous for people especially, children and elderly citizens.
Why is air quality a concern at construction and demolition sites? This is due to the following reasons:
- Construction and demolition sites are a rich source of PM and other air pollutants including VOCs, etc.
- People living near these sites experience various health concerns like difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, etc.
- The workers and personnel working on-site are exposed to these air pollutants everyday. These pollutants affect their health to a great extent as well.
- Therefore, it becomes important to monitor the air quality at construction and demolition sites to comply with the standards.
- It is important to maintain the air quality at these sites, so as to maintain the air quality standards and limit the excessive usage of toxin and PM generating activities.
9. Agricultural Activities
Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality. To begin with, pesticides and fertilizers are the main sources that contaminate the surrounding air. Nowadays, pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick growth of the crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of the pesticides are left in the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground which not only destroys the crops but also causes numerous health-related issues.
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), “About 40% of world emissions come from livestock, 16% from mineral fertilizers, 17% from burning biomass, and 8% come from agricultural wastes.” Agricultural activities include 4 activities that generate toxins that are released into the air. These are fertilizers and pesticides, animal husbandry, agricultural waste, and salts from applied irrigation water. Agricultural solids and waste are burnt in order to clear out the area for next cultivation, but this causes release of soot, PM, and other toxins into the air.
Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality. To begin with, pesticides and fertilizers are the main sources that contaminate the surrounding air. Nowadays, pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick growth of the crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of the pesticides are left in the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground which not only destroys the crops but also causes numerous health-related issues.
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), “About 40% of world emissions come from livestock, 16% from mineral fertilizers, 17% from burning biomass, and 8% come from agricultural wastes.” Agricultural activities include 4 activities that generate toxins that are released into the air. These are fertilizers and pesticides, animal husbandry, agricultural waste, and salts from applied irrigation water. Agricultural solids and waste are burnt in order to clear out the area for next cultivation, but this causes release of soot, PM, and other toxins into the air.
10. Use of chemical and synthetic products
Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous for our lives but never talk about indoor air pollution. Household products cause indoor air pollution which is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution. We spend more than 90% of our lives indoors, which makes the indoor air pollution impacts more serious and concerning. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and personal care products such as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common health issues. These are silent killers that can cause risks like asthma or other respiratory issues and lung disease are other issues caused by inhaling poor house air quality.
- The vast variety of sources indoors release various harmful toxins that affect children, old age people, and even pets.
- These sources include cooking, smoking, furniture, paints, hobby craft, furnaces, coal powered heaters, and many more. Indoor air pollution has caused over 4 million premature deaths per year.
- Healthy air is very important for development in children, even in their prenatal phase. Air pollution has caused more than 50% of all cases of respiratory infection in children less than 5 years old.
- It is responsible for various lung and heart diseases in children and old people such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and aggravation of asthma.
Monitoring the indoor air quality will not only give you the power of seeing the invisible air pollutants, but will also assist you in maintaining your indoor air quality.
WATER POLLUTION
- Industrial Waste. Industries and industrial sites across the world are a major contributor to water pollution. ...
- Marine Dumping. ...
- Sewage and Wastewater. ...
- Oil Leaks and Spills. ...
- Agriculture. ...
- Global Warming. ...
- Radioactive Waste.
-
- LAND POLLUTION
Soil pollution can be caused by the following (non-exhaustive list) :
- Microplastics
- Oil spills
- Mining and activities by other heavy industries
- Accidental spills may happen during activities, etc.
- Corrosion of underground storage tanks (including piping used to transmit the contents)
- Acid rain
- Intensive farming
- Agrochemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- Petrochemicals
- Industrial accidents
- Road debris
- Construction activities
- Exterior lead-based paints
- Drainage of contaminated surface water into the soil
- Ammunitions, chemical agents, and other agents of war
- Waste disposal
- Oil and fuel dumping
- Nuclear wastes
- Direct discharge of industrial wastes to the soil
- Discharge of sewage
- Landfill and illegal dumping
- Coal ash
- Electronic waste
- Contaminated by rocks containing large amounts of toxic elements.
- Contaminated by Pb due to vehicle exhaust, Cd, and Zn caused by tire wear.
- Contamination by strengthening air pollutants by incineration of fossil raw materials
-
- EFFECTS OF POLLUTION
-
Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous for our lives but never talk about indoor air pollution. Household products cause indoor air pollution which is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution. We spend more than 90% of our lives indoors, which makes the indoor air pollution impacts more serious and concerning. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and personal care products such as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common health issues. These are silent killers that can cause risks like asthma or other respiratory issues and lung disease are other issues caused by inhaling poor house air quality.
- The vast variety of sources indoors release various harmful toxins that affect children, old age people, and even pets.
- These sources include cooking, smoking, furniture, paints, hobby craft, furnaces, coal powered heaters, and many more. Indoor air pollution has caused over 4 million premature deaths per year.
- Healthy air is very important for development in children, even in their prenatal phase. Air pollution has caused more than 50% of all cases of respiratory infection in children less than 5 years old.
- It is responsible for various lung and heart diseases in children and old people such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and aggravation of asthma.
Monitoring the indoor air quality will not only give you the power of seeing the invisible air pollutants, but will also assist you in maintaining your indoor air quality.
WATER POLLUTION
- Industrial Waste. Industries and industrial sites across the world are a major contributor to water pollution. ...
- Marine Dumping. ...
- Sewage and Wastewater. ...
- Oil Leaks and Spills. ...
- Agriculture. ...
- Global Warming. ...
- Radioactive Waste.
- LAND POLLUTION
Soil pollution can be caused by the following (non-exhaustive list) :
- Microplastics
- Oil spills
- Mining and activities by other heavy industries
- Accidental spills may happen during activities, etc.
- Corrosion of underground storage tanks (including piping used to transmit the contents)
- Acid rain
- Intensive farming
- Agrochemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- Petrochemicals
- Industrial accidents
- Road debris
- Construction activities
- Exterior lead-based paints
- Drainage of contaminated surface water into the soil
- Ammunitions, chemical agents, and other agents of war
- Waste disposal
- Oil and fuel dumping
- Nuclear wastes
- Direct discharge of industrial wastes to the soil
- Discharge of sewage
- Landfill and illegal dumping
- Coal ash
- Electronic waste
- Contaminated by rocks containing large amounts of toxic elements.
- Contaminated by Pb due to vehicle exhaust, Cd, and Zn caused by tire wear.
- Contamination by strengthening air pollutants by incineration of fossil raw materials
- EFFECTS OF POLLUTION
Human health
Adverse air quality can kill many organisms, including humans. Ozone pollution can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, throat inflammation, chest pain, and congestion. Water pollution causes approximately 14,000 deaths per day, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by untreated sewage in developing countries. An estimated 500 million Indians have no access to a proper toilet,Over ten million people in India fell ill with waterborne illnesses in 2013, and 1,535 people died, most of them children.As of 2007, nearly 500 million Chinese lack access to safe drinking water.A 2010 analysis estimated that 1.2 million people died prematurely each year in China because of air pollution.The high smog levels China has been facing for a long time can do damage to humans' bodies and cause different diseases. The WHO estimated in 2007 that air pollution causes half a million deaths per year in India.Studies have estimated that the number of people killed annually in the United States could be over 50,000.
Oil spills can cause skin irritations and rashes. Noise pollution induces hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep disturbance. Mercury has been linked to developmental deficits in children and neurologic symptoms. Older people are majorly exposed to diseases induced by air pollution. Those with heart or lung disorders are at additional risk. Children and infants are also at serious risk. Lead and other heavy metals have been shown to cause neurological problems. Chemical and radioactive substances can cause cancer and as well as birth defects.
An October 2017 study by the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health found that global pollution, specifically toxic air, water, soils and workplaces, kills nine million people annually, which is triple the number of deaths caused by AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, and 15 times higher than deaths caused by wars and other forms of human violence. The study concluded that "pollution is one of the great existential challenges of the Anthropocene era. Pollution endangers the stability of the Earth’s support systems and threatens the continuing survival of human societies.
A study published in 2022 in GeoHealth concluded that eliminating energy-related fossil fuel emissions in the United States would prevent 46,900–59,400 premature deaths each year and provide $537–$678 billion in benefits from avoided PM2.5-related illness and death.
Adverse air quality can kill many organisms, including humans. Ozone pollution can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, throat inflammation, chest pain, and congestion. Water pollution causes approximately 14,000 deaths per day, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by untreated sewage in developing countries. An estimated 500 million Indians have no access to a proper toilet,Over ten million people in India fell ill with waterborne illnesses in 2013, and 1,535 people died, most of them children.As of 2007, nearly 500 million Chinese lack access to safe drinking water.A 2010 analysis estimated that 1.2 million people died prematurely each year in China because of air pollution.The high smog levels China has been facing for a long time can do damage to humans' bodies and cause different diseases. The WHO estimated in 2007 that air pollution causes half a million deaths per year in India.Studies have estimated that the number of people killed annually in the United States could be over 50,000.
Oil spills can cause skin irritations and rashes. Noise pollution induces hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep disturbance. Mercury has been linked to developmental deficits in children and neurologic symptoms. Older people are majorly exposed to diseases induced by air pollution. Those with heart or lung disorders are at additional risk. Children and infants are also at serious risk. Lead and other heavy metals have been shown to cause neurological problems. Chemical and radioactive substances can cause cancer and as well as birth defects.
An October 2017 study by the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health found that global pollution, specifically toxic air, water, soils and workplaces, kills nine million people annually, which is triple the number of deaths caused by AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, and 15 times higher than deaths caused by wars and other forms of human violence. The study concluded that "pollution is one of the great existential challenges of the Anthropocene era. Pollution endangers the stability of the Earth’s support systems and threatens the continuing survival of human societies.
A study published in 2022 in GeoHealth concluded that eliminating energy-related fossil fuel emissions in the United States would prevent 46,900–59,400 premature deaths each year and provide $537–$678 billion in benefits from avoided PM2.5-related illness and death.
Environment
Pollution has been found to be present widely in the environment. There are a number of effects of this:
- Biomagnification describes situations where toxins (such as heavy metals) may pass through trophic levels, becoming exponentially more concentrated in the process.
- Carbon dioxide emissions cause ocean acidification, the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans as CO2 becomes dissolved.
- The emission of greenhouse gases leads to global warming which affects ecosystems in many ways.
- Invasive species can outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity. Invasive plants can contribute debris and biomolecules (allelopathy) that can alter soil and chemical compositions of an environment, often reducing native species competitiveness.
- Nitrogen oxides are removed from the air by rain and fertilise land which can change the species composition of ecosystems.
- Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to carry out photosynthesis and leads to the production of tropospheric ozone which damages plants.
- Soil can become infertile and unsuitable for plants. This will affect other organisms in the food web.
- Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain which lowers the pH value of soil.
- Organic pollution of watercourses can deplete oxygen levels and reduce species diversity.
A 2022 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that levels of anthropogenic chemical pollution have exceeded planetary boundaries and now threaten entire ecosystems around the world.
The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP)at the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) maintains a comprehensive toxicology and environmental health web site that includes access to resources produced by TEHIP and by other government agencies and organizations. This web site includes links to databases, bibliographies, tutorials, and other scientific and consumer-oriented resources. TEHIP also is responsible for the Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) an integrated system of toxicology and environmental health databases that are available free of charge on the web.
TOXMAP is a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is part of TOXNET. TOXMAP uses maps of the United States to help users visually explore data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory and Superfund Basic Research Programs.
Pollution has been found to be present widely in the environment. There are a number of effects of this:
- Biomagnification describes situations where toxins (such as heavy metals) may pass through trophic levels, becoming exponentially more concentrated in the process.
- Carbon dioxide emissions cause ocean acidification, the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans as CO2 becomes dissolved.
- The emission of greenhouse gases leads to global warming which affects ecosystems in many ways.
- Invasive species can outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity. Invasive plants can contribute debris and biomolecules (allelopathy) that can alter soil and chemical compositions of an environment, often reducing native species competitiveness.
- Nitrogen oxides are removed from the air by rain and fertilise land which can change the species composition of ecosystems.
- Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to carry out photosynthesis and leads to the production of tropospheric ozone which damages plants.
- Soil can become infertile and unsuitable for plants. This will affect other organisms in the food web.
- Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain which lowers the pH value of soil.
- Organic pollution of watercourses can deplete oxygen levels and reduce species diversity.
A 2022 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that levels of anthropogenic chemical pollution have exceeded planetary boundaries and now threaten entire ecosystems around the world.
The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP)at the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) maintains a comprehensive toxicology and environmental health web site that includes access to resources produced by TEHIP and by other government agencies and organizations. This web site includes links to databases, bibliographies, tutorials, and other scientific and consumer-oriented resources. TEHIP also is responsible for the Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) an integrated system of toxicology and environmental health databases that are available free of charge on the web.
TOXMAP is a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is part of TOXNET. TOXMAP uses maps of the United States to help users visually explore data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory and Superfund Basic Research Programs.
Great 👍👍👍
ReplyDeleteYes, it is true that humans have affected the environment in many ways, things like overpopulation, overfishing, deforestation are dramatically impacting our world. 😒
ReplyDeleteyes it is human who interfere in the natural environment
ReplyDeleteVery informative and eye opening blog ...
ReplyDeleteGood 👍
ReplyDelete